Farmers call for changes on food labelling during election

27 August 2013

Editorial

Farmers across Australia are calling upon the Nation’s major political parties to announce policies on food labelling this election.

Neither the Liberal, Labour or National parties have announced any policies in favour of stricter country of origin labelling laws, which is in contrast to the Greens who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the issue.

Aussie fruit grower, Peter Hall, told ABC Rural that in the current climate, it is impossible for consumers to understand which food is produced in Australia from reading the label.

Hall believes that the next elected government must show a commitment to Australian growers by developing food labels that demonstrate the difference between farming conditions in Australia and abroad.

"They've given millions to the car companies. You don't eat cars, you just drive around in them,” said Hall.

"I am talking about stuff that people put in their mouth.

"I would think that's an important issue to people.

"I know I have three little kids, 10, 12 and 14. I wouldn't give them anything to eat that I didn't think was safe.

"I think most people think the same."

Halls comments echo those of CEO of Ausveg, Richard Mulcahy, who yesterday questioned both the Labour and Liberal parties’ commitment to the primary industries sector.

Mulcahy says that both parties should release their policies as soon as possible so they can be adequately compared to one another.Image: www.hbdisplays.com.au